A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Mathematics: Students should study algebra by the end of eighth grade and continue to take advanced math and science throughout high school.

John Hancock Financial Services developed the Financial Wizards program with the Mason Elementary School. This program evolved from an adopt-a-class program into a unique, interactive curriculum covering math and financial concepts. With the goal of making math real and comprehensible for students and helping textbook material, such as algebra and accounting, come to life, Financial Wizards has matched the school's needs with Hancock's expertise by organizing a cadre of actuaries that contribute "brain power" to the Mason school by serving as mathematics tutors. With this intensive math mentoring, Mason school children will be much better prepared to study algebra by the eighth grade.

"Our 'Wizards' effort really represents the idea that company/school relationships go way beyond the typical provider of resources. Here we found a synergy with a group of individuals who have expertise, and -more important- a love for the art of mathematics, and matched them with the teachers and the students to create a new and innovative way of the business world helping children."

--Steve Brown, Chairman and CEO, John Hancock

Businesses have a role in helping to provide a world-class education

Benefits

• Business: Builds student achievement and interest in mathematics, including algebra, and a better prepared workforce for the next century

• School: Increases student understanding, appreciation, and test performance in mathematics and prepares them for mastery of more advanced math

• Teacher: Understands more real-life examples of math usage and helps students be more enthusiastic about math

[Reading]

[Well-Prepared for College]

This page was last updated January 3, 2002 (jca)